A few years ago I found myself unemployed and facing
foreclosure on my home of seven years. I
have to admit, these past few years have been some of the hardest challenges I’ve
ever had to face in my life. However, when I was making a great
salary, I was careless with money. I got paid on payday and spent, spent, spent. It was nothing for me to spend hundreds of
dollars a month on my habit of excessive retail therapy. I love fashion and if I saw something I
loved, I just bought it. I didn’t care
what it cost nor did I experience one instance of “sticker shock”. I simply whipped out my Visa and swiped with
glee.
It’s very sobering to reflect on that time in my life. I mean, I literally bought things that hung in my closet with tags still attached as a new season began. Shame on me! My favorite place to visit EVERY single payday was
Lane Bryant. Their pieces gave me life each time I slid a new item over my body. After losing my job, that came to a quick halt. I wallowed in self-pity and misery over the fact that I couldn’t swipe my card with $0 on it. Reality set in and I had to do some major budget cuts. Guess which was first to go? Yep, my love for retail therapy.
During this turbulent time in my life, I met my best girl friend. She loved and accepted me with no regard to my miserable, broken spirit. Never once has she judged me and I thank God for her. I owe my love of thrifting to her. I’ll never forget our first trip together to Goodwill and the look I had on my face. I felt like I was too good to shop there. Lol, in hindsight, I can’t believe I actually WANTED to pay retail prices instead of looking for gems among mounds of worn, some stained and tattered clothing. Silly me!! We walked in, and I was so used to everything being neat and hanging nicely on mannequins that I didn’t know where to begin looking first. I’m like, "Where’s my section?? You know these hips can't fit everything, sis!" Lol, my friend pointed me in which direction to go. I tell you the truth, my very first experience at Goodwill was a major score. I found tons of new things with tags AND in a size to fit these hips…haaaa! I’ve been sold ever since.
I apologize for the blurred photos. I'm working with my 12 year old for photo ops :)
Still trying to get this posing thing down...lol
I said all that to say this…. To my new readers and my loyal followers, never underestimate what you can find in a thrift store. I actually prefer shopping at thrift stores now rather than walking into the department store and getting 2 items for $100. I can get like 100 items for that much at Goodwill…just kidding. But a little money in a thrift store goes a long way. Thank you Naquita (my bff) for encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone!! I have finally realized the endless treasures I can find while thrifting.
Ralph Lauren Slacks ~ $7.99 (Retail 109.00 *gasp*) <---- Sticker shock
Blazer (Dressbarn label) ~ $7.00
Animal print tank (Chico's) ~ $4.25
Clutch (It's Fashion) ~ $10.00
Patent flats (Goodwill) ~ $6.50
My face after shooting photos in the wind, cold and rain...ugh!!
Here's a few snap shots of my best friend, Naquita. She's pretty fashion savvy herself, don't you think? I love this lady to life!! She has been more than I could ever hope for in a friend.
